Cuts against Cancer

January 2019 - Cuts against cancer

This post is for Mommy, it’s been a month since she passed away. She lost her battle with cancer.

I thought of donating my hair last 2013. One group was donating hair for cancer patients and I saw it on TV. It never crossed my mind that I would be required to shave my hair off on that same year. 

I'm inlove with my hair but I'm going to donate it to cancer patients.

I went under craniotomy last Dec 11, 2013. After surviving, I made a promise to continue to donate my hair every time it grows long enough to Cuts Against Cancer- Donate Your Hair Org.

Spreading awareness about cancer, that’s what I did. Ironic, because on 2016 my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I continued to do what I did, educate more people about the Big C, and donate my hair. 

You were born with the ability to change someone's life. Don't waste it.

Last December 2016, I had company, #PrincessY joined me in donating! She also gave her hair off.  At her young age, she is aware about cancer, that people with this situation will lose their hair, and what we do can help them feel better, bring back their self-esteem. We can always grow our hair back, and once it reaches the length of at least 12 inches, we can donate it to the nearest Papemelroti.

By doing this simple act, we can let them know we care, that we support them, those who battle cancer.

"Giving is not just about making a donation
It is about making a difference." - Kathy Calvin

It saddens us because recently I brought our hair (mine & my daughter’s) to Papemelroti and one of the staff said that donating is currently on HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. 

Supporting the FIGHTERS
Admiring the SURVIVORS
Honoring the TAKEN
And never, ever giving up HOPE. 

October 2018

I wear pink for my mom 💕

Why we shift from washable cloth to disposable diaper

When I became a mom, I used the traditional lampin or cloth diaper, later I switched to disposable diapers. Using cloth diapers became tedious, wash & wear, taking most of my time in the laundry when I could have been with my baby. Guess it was a family tradition (to use cloth diaper).

My mom, my niece Marianne
and my first born son when he was 1 yr old. 😍

I did try. All those diaper change, sometimes you just finished putting it on then the baby pees and gets you all surprised, wet diaper, wet bed or wet floor,  you clean not just the baby, but also the nearby areas. Waking up in the wee hours just to check if the baby is wet, or has icky poop, sleepless nights and days of the both of us, hassle. Less sleep means I can get clumsy and cloth diapers use diaper pins which can be dangerous for both me & my little one. Using cloth diapers has taken a toll, and I say enough. 

That's when we decided to shift to disaposable diapers. At first, we bought a "budget friendly" diaper. It's like we're still using washable cloth, very inconvenient. Until a friend recommends Pampers. 

Pampers is softer than those of other brands and fits better. Plus it's #LessPalitMasSulit. And we even used same diaper to my 2 other kids. Too sad, my kid with special needs is all grown up, I wish Pampers have diapers like XXXL. 🙂

Until now, my friends and I trust only Pampers because of #LessLawlawMoreWow. We let our kids play around and have fun, no worries about leaks! :)

The Muhlachs share another heartwarming glimpse of their family life in the new Jollibee Ad

Charlene Gonzales-Muhlach reveals how she gives her best for her life’s greatest joys

In a touching new Jollibee ad, the Muhlachs give us another heartwarming glimpse of their family life

Being a celebrity comes with a multitude of “rewards,” including fame, fortune, and countless public milestones. But for celebrity parents Aga and Charlene Muhlach, there’s no greater joy than being able to give their best for the twins, Atasha and Andres.

In   a   heartwarming   new   commercial   for   Jollibee,   former   beauty   queen   and   renowned   actress-host Charlene professes that her “greatest joy” in life are her twin children, who had grown up relatively away from the limelight. The ad begins with Charlene getting up very early to get her twins ready for their various extra-curricular activities, and continue on with glimpses into her family’s life. She reads a heartfelt message for herchildren, expressing how she had dreamed of having them in her life and how she and husband Aga have always strived to give them the best. 

“I can’t believe how time has just passed so fast, and totoo pala ‘yung sabi nila, that no matter how old you get, you’ll forever be babies in my eyes. I want you to know that we tried every day to give you the best at hindi kami magsasawang alagaan at mahalin kayo,”  —a sentiment that many parents can truly relate to. 

Watch the latest Jollibee ad here! ❤️

The message that Charlene addresses to her children in this newest Jollibee ad is almost verbatim of her Instagram post on the twin’s birthday, which, as of the commercial’s release, garnered over 50,000 likes.

As it was written straight from a thoughtful and well-spoken mother’s heart, the message became an instant hit among Filipino netizens who related to the emotions in Charlene’s post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpx_R39Fudw/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1lp9yd76uod3j

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpx_WoaFWtI/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1l08m6irftuml

Aga, well-loved member of the Jollibee family, caps off the ad with another heartwarming sentiment—that we only want to give only the best for the best. The best people in our lives, our families, deserve only the best-tasting  crispylicious, juicylicious  Chickenjoy.  The   beloved  Jollibee   favorite   that   has   captured   the hearts and taste buds of Filipinos for generations.

“As the country’s biggest fast-food brand and a proudly homegrown Pinoy company, we at Jollibee have always strived at being the best in every way possible especially for our products,” said Cathleen Capati, Jollibee AVP for Flagship Category. “Chickenjoy and the role it plays in bringing Filipino families together, like the Muhlachs having meaningful family bonding moments during mealtimes, has been one of Jollibee’s greatest joys. ”Just Like the Muhlachs, ring in 2019 with renewed love for family—with only the best-tasting crispylicious, juicylicious Chickenjoy on the table.

For more information on Jollibee’s products and promotions, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram. 

Sharp Loves Your Family Video-making Contest winners announced

Sharp Philippines Corp. (SPC) has been part of the Filipino households for more than 36 years, highlighting its legacy of bringing convenience and comfortability.  Before 2018 ends, SPC wants to honor every Filipino family, who has been part of their successes through these years.

Sharp’s Loves Your Family Video-making contest, the second phase of the SPC’s “We Love Philippines” campaign, recently announced their lucky winners from hundreds of entries nationwide. Each entry showcased impressive creativity and heartfelt message, which greatly represent their love for their families and loved ones.  The said contest began last November 15 and ended last December 15, 2018.

There are total of 10 winners of Sharp 45-inch 4K LED televisions, three (3) winners of french door refrigerators and a lot of winners of rice cooker.

Three (3) Winners of French-door Refrigerator 

 Ten (10) Winners of 45-inch LED TV

 Winners of Rice Cooker

Headed by PR and Marketing Head Amor Golifardo, the winners were judged based on their creativity and smooth story telling.

Congratulations to all the winners! Follow Sharp’s official social media accounts for more updates!

Holiday bonding over Jolly Spaghetti Family Pan

Time for some holiday bonding with the cheesiest, meatiest, sweet-sarap family favorite.

The holiday season is fully upon us—and there’s no better way to celebrate Christmas than with family. Bonding time can be made extra special with the cheesiest, meatiest, sweet-sarap family favorite Jolly Spaghetti, but there’s a bigger and better way to enjoy and share the experience with those who matter most—through the Jolly Spaghetti Family Pan!

With its unique sweet and savory flavor profiles, the Jolly Spaghetti has captured the hearts of countless Filipinos generation after generation. This best-selling classic is made with freshly prepared spaghetti noodles, covered with a generous serving of the inimitably sweet-sarap spaghetti sauce with real ground beef and juicy hotdog slices. Finally, there’s the sprinkling of creamy grated cheese to seal the deal and complete the delightful experience delivered with every forkful!

“Jolly Spaghetti has always been a favorite among Filipino kids and the young-at-heart,” said Cathleen Capati, Jollibee’s AVP for Flagship Category. “And with the Jolly Spaghetti Family Pan, there’s simply more to love and more to share. Imagine the sweet-sarap smiles that will greet you when you come home bearing the Jolly Spaghetti Family Pan, and the delightful meal you’ll share with every member of the family to make the holiday season feel even more special!”

Celebrate your holiday bonding time the sweet-sarap, Jollibee way! You and your family can enjoy the Jolly Spaghetti Family Pan dine-in or bring home the joy via take-out, delivery, or drive-thru in all Jollibee stores nationwide for only Php 199.00*!

For more information on Jollibee’s products and promotions, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

Citi Philippines wins best foreign bank for 20th consecutive year

Citi was awarded Best Foreign Bank in the Philippines for the 20th  year in a row in the Finance Asia Annual Country Awards for Achievement. The annual awards recognize the best financial services firms in Asia. 

Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed with the award   (2nd  from   right)   celebrates   with   (from   left)   Treasury   &   Trade   Solutions   headArlene   Nethercott,   Markets   &   Securities   Services   head   and   country   treasurer   PaulFavila, Consumer Bank head Manoj Varma and Corporate Banking head Vikram Singh.

Going the extra mile for that extra smile for my son

The most beautiful thing in the world is a child’s smile. The next best thing? Knowing that you are the reason behind it.

November 2,2002. It was my son's 1st birthday, it is a very important part and very happy part for any parent. Thing is, his father's wasn't there. No, he is not an OFW working in a far away land. He's working here in the country. It's just that he chose to womanize, and even lived in the house of his woman. Yes, my son's father was a no-show. That broke my heart into a million pieces (probably more). I did not let that stop me. With or without him, I am going to give my son the best birthday ever! And wow, did that happen. We celebrated, we went on, and I know that my son was very happy that day. I'm sure. He knows all about it. :) 

As expected, I became a single parent. I was working at a telco during that time, and thankful that I can make ends meet. Thanks also to my mom, cause she took care of Raine (my son) during those trying times. My mom lives in Leyte, I worked in Cavite. I'm sure you can imagine the long distance we all had, all I can do is call them, listen to their voice, and hearing them, hearing my son, gave me the strength to overcome my sadness of being alone, it gave me strength to work harder, during long mall hours, to give my son what he deserves, a happy life.

*Photos straight from my mom's album in Leyte 😍 

And so came his 7th birthday, I told him I had to work and wasn't gonna see him. I won't forget the look on his face when I arrived at my mom's doorstep! I had me mailed via express delivery! I am just kidding of course (about the express delivery)! I had been planning to go to Leyte (scheming with my supermom, yeah) to surprise my baby boy. :) We prepared for his special day, decors, food to serve and all that, invitations, we were happy! Because we made that day together! 

The year was 2013. This can be a nightmare to anyone. A brain tumor struck me, meningioma. My life flashed before my eyes, the feeling you get when you know that death is knocking at your door. My kids, who will take care of them? What will happen to them when I'm gone??? I am forever grateful to our Lord for blessing us and extending my life (5 years now), and to all the people (friends and family and good samaritans) who went out of their way to help us in whatever way they can. 

My son Raine, is no longer a child, not yet a man. I was no longer working, at first I was joining contests from the radio, aiming to win prizes to help my family. I am not used to doing nothing. One thing led to another, and I was introduced to writing, (blogging if you may). That is how I managed to make another memorable moment for my son! His 16th birthday, we surprised him! All his friends were in on it, too! Of course my mom was there! Raine was not expecting because he understands the situation, but I refuse to just accept, not when I can do something! So every token I had (from events), every GC I had, I mustered, and all that "diskarte" worked out! I got to book Jollibee for my baby boy (yeah, baby boy). Let me show you how he looked like. Mabuti na lang pinalaki ka ni Mommy gamit ang Hapee Kiddie toothpaste iyan kasi ang sikat sa lugar nila. Ang ganda ng smile mo pati ng ngipin mo, Kuya 😁

Kuya, always share your smile to the world . It's a symbol of peace and friendship

Because of your smile you make life more beautiful, iba talaga ang batang laki sa Hapee... Maganda ang ngiti.

It was all surreal for him. He couldn't believe that it was really happening, his high school buddies were there, he was HAPEE, what more can I ask? Priceless.

* Too bad can't retrieve the original video on my YouTube channel that captured that precious smile of my son. We were all teary-eyed then...but good thing I had it uploaded (private) on Facebook. Thank you technology and smartphones 😍

I love my son’s smile! it makes me feel that I am loved and blessed with the best gift that I could ever ask!

Mang Inasal Pork Sisig definitely a must-try!

The leading Filipino restaurant that serves the No.1 chicken inasal, Mang Inasal is the go-to place for people seeking to satisfy their craving for a truly delicious Pinoy fare.

Aside from its flagship offering of the 2-in-1 sa Laki, Nuot sa Ihaw Sarap Chicken Inasal, Mang Inasal also offers Pinoy favorites such as Pork BBQ, Palabok, Lumpiang Togue, and Halo Halo. 

And since Sisig is one of the most popular Filipino dishes, Mang Inasal added it in its menu as well a few years back, to provide more choices to the restaurant’s ever-growing number of customers. The fastfood chain even improved the dish’s serving and taste throughout the years. 

A homegrown fare that traces its origins in Pampanga, Sisig was first defined in a Kapampangan dictionary in 1732 as a green fruit mixed with vinegar, salt, pepper and garlic. From being just a salad, Sisig has evolved over the years into a main dish with sizzling plate and chopped meat as its defining elements.

The Mang Inasal sizzling meaty sarap Pork Sisig is made of a generous serving of flavorful, tender and juicy pork chunks with yummy crunchy chicharon and tangy white onion. Offered as one of the fastfood’s Paborito Meals (PM) for only P99, Mang Inasal Pork Sisig comes with a cup of rice, and an option to have unlimited servings of rice.

Mang Inasal Pork Sisig is perfect both as solo meal and for sharing with your family or barkada. Andif you are more into seafood, there is also the Mang Inasal Bangus Sisig for you.

Probably the most scrumptious and affordable Sisig in the Philippines, Mang Inasal Pork Sisig mightjust be the ultimate Pinoy comfort food you are looking for. Definitely a must try!

Fat Fook Opens 5th branch at BGC

Fat Fook, the fast growing Taiwanese chain, opens its newest branch in the heart of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. This marks the company's 5th location in the country. Located at The Globe Tower, 32nd Street, the restaurant brings favourite dishes the diner has been known for and made them extend branches in just two years. Some of its all-time favorites dishes are Chicken Chops, Pork Xiao Long Bao, and Taiwan Beef Noodles. 

Fat Fook at BGC 

The expansion in the CBD of Bonifacio Global City is part of the brand’s development plans for this year. The first branch opened in SM North EDSA in 2016 then followed by Robinsons Galleria in 2017. A branch in SM Megamall and also in Glorietta opened both in 2018. It also looks forward to opening two or three more shops by the first quarter of next year.

 

Owned and managed by the same group that operates Ramen Nagi, this Taiwanese restaurant is conceptualized by the group’s executive chef, Rachel Kao, who was born in Taiwan and grew up in the Philippines. 

Fat Fook modern authentic Taiwanese dishes 

Fat Fook stems from the Chinese word for “Fa” (gaining”) and “Foo” (Taiwanese term which means prosperity or auspicious). It can be literally translated to “Increasing luck.” 

Fat Fook remains modern authentic to suit the Filipino millennial palate. It is quite an innovator when it comes to their food. They make sure to add something new, making it more appealing to the local palate and to the style and taste of the millennial, yet you can still find the essence of home cooking. In some of its dishes, Fat Fook guarantees to be close to Taiwanese versions because the owners go to Taiwan regularly to taste and source ingredients. 

Fat Fook Asian appeal interiors 

Fat Fook’s cozy and inviting dining experience is an entirely value-for-money—from its warmly lit interiors to the appetizing Taiwanese meals with a twist meticulously prepared by its resident chef. The restaurant itself exudes a modern vibe but still maintains touches of Asian appeal with chromatic cherry architectural accents and porcelain bowls used as light fixtures. 

Fat Fook house specialties 

Fat Fook is known for their house specialties like their best-selling Chicken Chops, Pork Xiao Long Bao, and Taiwan Beef Noodles. Sophisticated palates will appreciate how Fat Fook’s Chicken Chops aroma wafts up and bursts in the mouth. The crunch of the special breading, alongside the crunchiness and juiciness of the chicken, make for an exciting mix of textures. It will definitely be love at first bite; with just the right amount of breading and seasoning. With their Chicken Chops, you’ll really get to savor the unmistakably Asian flavor. 

Another Fat Fook house favorite is the Oyster Omelette. This classic Taiwanese street food has a lot of great flavors coming from the oyster, Taiwanese petchay, and the thick egg wrap. The savory sauce drizzled on top of the omelette provides an added sweet-savory umami taste and all the more makes the dish beautiful to look at. 

The traditional Pork Xiao Long Bao is definitely impeccable. It surely does not disappoint. In the steaming xiao long lie broth-filled steamed pork dumplings oozing with rich and warm flavor. 

Another classic Taiwanese must-try dish would be the Taiwan beef noodles. Though looks like a simple dish, the ingredients are made sure they are in their best state. The noodles are light and cooked firm but remain chewy and sweet, while the beef fork-tender almost melt-in-your-mouth with its intense flavoring. 

Other interesting dishes on the menu are Taiwan Sausage, Tofu Century Egg, Beef Tendon, Black Pepper Beef, Pork Radish Soup, Oyster Misua, Truffle Xiao Long Bao, and String Beans with Minced Pork. 

Fat Fook dining experience 

The dining experience in Fat Fook is likewise leisurely and unhurried, just as it should be when you want to have an enjoyable meal. It also saves one the hassle of spending for airfare, lodging, and other expenses that go with traveling just to eat modern authentic Taiwanese food. Taiwanese food is made easily accessible through Fat Fook. 

More than its modern authentic food, Fat Fook is also proud of its take out counter which offers Taiwan’s famous street food. Everyone can always grab a bite of sumptuous to go food especially if they are in a hurry. And to go with their street food are their famous milk tea choices. And speaking of milk tea, Fat Fook has an exciting news for all its followers and patrons. Its milk tea will be updating its look and packaging, thus there is something to watch out for in a few months. 

You may visit Fat Fook at The Globe Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Opens from Sunday-Saturday, 11AM-10PM. 

Follow them on social media on Instagram @FatFookManila and on Facebook (FatFookManila). 

Changing the game

The 2018 Top Leaders Forum with the theme: “Changing the Game: Building a Culture of Resilience Through Public-Private Partnership” was held recently at the SMX Convention Center, Manila. Top Leaders Forum brings together the country’s top executives and leaders from the National and Local government, private sector, academe and science community, to discuss concrete actions in achieving disaster resilient communities. Highlight of the 2018 TLF was the launch of SM Prime’s Business Continuity Program (BCP) for its small and medium enterprise (SME) tenants as part of its Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) efforts for its business partners and stakeholders. 

Seen in photo (middle, seated) are SM Prime’s Hans Sy, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Disaster Reduction Mami Mizutori (seated, sixth from left) Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana (seated, eighth from left) and officials of UNISDR, National Resilience Council, ARISE Philippines, government officials and private and public sector partners. 

Top Leaders Forum is organized by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) and ARISE Philippines, in partnership with SM Prime Holdings and the National Resilience Council (NRC).